Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda’s Ankole sub-region reported 450 kidney failure cases in 2025, with 30 patients requiring regular dialysis monthly, according to Dr. Rose Muhindo, head of the Renal Ward. The hospital’s renal unit faces growing demand as specialized care remains scarce, forcing many patients to travel from distant areas. Muhindo noted that 98% of dialysis patients at the facility remain hopeful of recovery, though fewer than five per month are referred for kidney transplants due to advanced chronic kidney failure. The cost of treatment, largely paid out-of-pocket, has become a significant financial strain for patients like Boaz Ainemugisha, a Sheema District resident who spends Shs360,000 weekly on dialysis, draining his savings over four years of treatment. Specialized renal services are limited to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Rugarama Hospital, and Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in the Kigezi region, creating a reliance on referrals from smaller health facilities. Dr. Muhindo attributed the rising cases to delayed diagnosis, with patients often presenting at advanced stages of the disease. Symptoms such as facial and abdominal swelling, urinary difficulties, and hypertension frequently go undetected until they worsen. The hospital’s communications manager, Halson Kagure, stated the facility is equipped to manage most renal cases but lacks capacity for transplants, emphasizing the Ministry of Health’s ongoing support to address the growing patient load. Health professionals are urging public awareness campaigns and early screening to curb the progression of kidney disease. Dr. Muhindo highlighted the importance of preventive measures, including balanced diets, exercise, and managing conditions like HIV, hepatitis, and diabetes, which are linked to kidney complications. She also stressed the need for increased hydration and routine medical check-ups to detect issues before they become severe. The kidneys, which filter waste and regulate bodily fluids, are critical to overall health, yet many patients only seek care after irreversible damage occurs. Calls for expanded renal services and improved access to affordable treatment persist as the region grapples with the dual challenges of rising cases and financial barriers. While the Ministry of Health provides some support, advocates argue that systemic investments in early detection and specialized care are essential to reduce the burden on patients and healthcare infrastructure. Without such measures, the financial and health toll on communities like Ankole is expected to worsen, underscoring the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.
Rising kidney failure cases and financial burden of dialysis alarm Ankole patients
Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda’s Ankole sub-region reported 450 kidney failure cases in 2025, with 30 patients requiring regular dialysis monthly, according to Dr. Rose Muhindo, head of the Renal Ward. The hospital’s renal unit faces growing demand as specialized care remains scarce, forcing many patients to travel from distant areas. Muhindo noted that 98% of dialysis patients at the facility remain hopeful of recovery, though fewer than five per month are referred for kidney transplants due to advanced chronic kidney failure. The cost of treatment, largely paid out-of-pocket, has become a significant financial strain for patients like Boaz Ainemugisha, a Sheema District resident who spends Shs360,000 weekly on dialysis, draining his savings over four years of treatment.
Rising kidney failure cases and financial burden of dialysis alarm Ankole patients
Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda’s Ankole sub-region reported 450 kidney failure cases in 2025, with 30 patients requiring regular dialysis monthly, according to Dr. Rose Muhindo, head of the Renal Ward. The hospital’s renal unit faces growing demand as specialized care remains scarce, forcing many patients to travel from distant areas. Muhindo noted that 98% of dialysis patients at the facility remain hopeful of recovery, though fewer than five per month are referred for kidney transplants due to advanced chronic kidney failure. The cost of treatment, largely paid out-of-pocket, has become a significant financial strain for patients like Boaz Ainemugisha, a Sheema District resident who spends Shs360,000 weekly on dialysis, draining his savings over four years of treatment.